Module 6 - Second Life

About a year ago I saw a documentary on either ABC or SBS about Second Life, so it is a concept that was a little familiar to me.  However, no-one I know in the 'real world' has ever heard of it, nor do they have any interest in it.  It is quite amazing to think that so many people are using it and that the content is user driven.  I'm also astonished that there are so many other virtual worlds out there too! 

 I guess, like the real world, there are many facets to SL's 'in-world', some good, some bad.  I have had a good look through the resource material for this component of module 6, and I am surprised at how seriously this virtual reality world is being taken; by Universities, businesses, and artists.  The youTube video from Ohio University even notes that they offer entire courses in SL!  Regina Spektor (who is a favourite of mine) has her own SL site.  

But there is the obvious grubby side to it all with the porn and cyber sex industry (which accounts for 30% of SL's content).  I note that there is a level of security involved in trying to restrict this content from minors, but as a parent this is of concern.  There is a second life available to under 15's, but I am unsure if this world is restricted from adult users.  On line communication has been widely used by sexual predators to make contact and form relationships with children, and SL seems like it would be just another tool for them, and one that would be difficult to monitor at this time.  (Has my job made me over cautious?)

So will we eventually spend more time in SL that the real world?  Not me!  I like the satirical comments on getafirstlife.com : "WARNING: Virtual Worlds, Real Libraries and the experiences it references my be habit forming.  If you find yourself unable to escape from the virtual library environment, put down the book, disconnect your computer, and seek immediate real world attention!"  We can only hope that the real us remains more engaging than any avatar incarnations.